Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is envisaged that only €50 million will be available in that regard over and above what was saved last year. This is what an official stated in the Minister's presence in response to an answer last week. Where does this sit in respect of the commitment made in the programme for Government or in respect of the Tánaiste's statement? Where does it sit in respect of the statement by the Minister, Deputy Howlin, who also entered the debate some weeks ago, to the effect that the Government would protect rates as far as possible? Does it remain the case that rates cannot be guaranteed as per the commitment in the programme for Government?

See this speech in context